Buy private-label products

Buy private-label products

Every shopper has personal preferences when it comes to name-brand products, but here, the store brand is king. Look for playful names like Trader Jose's, Trader Ming's and Trader Jacques' to try out products inspired by international cuisines, which also happen to be some of the cheapest supermarket foods out there.

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Follow the Fearless Flyer

Follow the Fearless Flyer

Though TJ's doesn't have a loyalty rewards program, customers can track down deals via the store's quirky newsletter. Grab one in-store, get it in the mail, or receive it by email for a quick rundown of new items, plus details on promotions.

Buy private-label products

Every shopper has personal preferences when it comes to name-brand products, but here, the store brand is king. Look for playful names like Trader Jose's, Trader Ming's and Trader Jacques' to try out products inspired by international cuisines, which also happen to be some of the cheapest supermarket foods out there.

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Follow the Fearless Flyer

Though TJ's doesn't have a loyalty rewards program, customers can track down deals via the store's quirky newsletter. Grab one in-store, get it in the mail, or receive it by email for a quick rundown of new items, plus details on promotions.

Flickr Creative Commons/Janice Marie Foote

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But don't stop clipping coupons

You can save a few bucks on name-brand items like Annie's Mac and Cheese or Kashi cereal when you present coupons at the register, so make sure to stash them in your wallet!

Flickr Creative commons/Mike Mozart

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Smaller is smarter

Especially at city locations, Trader Joe's stores can feel small compared to other major supermarkets. Don't be quick to count that as a negative though—because it's not a public chain, TJ's doesn't have pressure to grow and can keep stores stocked with an affordable selection of specialty items.

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Products come and go

Many grocery stores charge suppliers slotting fees to secure shelf space, but Trader Joe's isn't about that game. That means stores can move products in and out as they please, so shoppers have a frequently changing selection of products to choose from—even up to 15 new ones introduced each week. Don't miss the frozen foods section.

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Don't stress about returns

If you come home with a product that's less than impressive, no need to be bummed about wasting your cash. TJ's has a super lax return policy that allows customers to get a full refund for an item they don't like (even if it's opened!), no questions asked.

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Listen for the bell

If you're confused by all the dinging, you need to know how to decipher the floor team's communication code. One ring means it's time to open up another register, two means there's a question at checkout, and three is a call for the manager to come over.

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Some things are strictly seasonal

Whatever season or holiday, there's no shortage of festive foods at TJ's, but when your favorites hit the shelves you'd better act fast. Thanksgiving items and pumpkin-flavored snacks are only around as long as they can keep them in stock, and you don't want to have to wait a whole year for more Pumpkin Joe-Joe's.

Trader Joe's

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Don't miss the contests

Shoppers can do more than stock up on pantry staples here. Check the website for contest announcements that invite customers to help name new products and nominate their all-time favorites from the past year, such as the beloved Unexpected Cheddar Cheese. The prize? TJ's gift cards, naturally.

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Know when to go

If you live near a Trader Joe's location that gets particularly swamped, you need to be strategic about the days and times that you do your shopping. Reddit users suggest waking up early to grab groceries between 8am–10am on weekdays, or wait until Friday evening to avoid big crowds.